Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Initiatives

Serving Our AANHPI Community 

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Students who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) have traditionally been underserved in college, often facing unique challenges as many are first-generation students navigating higher education or managing the model minority myth. To address these challenges, the California State University Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Student Achievement Program (CSU ASAP) was established in 2022 under California Education Code Section 89297.1. This legislation provided $8 million annually to California State Universities to support culturally conscious services that enhance educational experiences and promote the success of low-income, underserved, and first-generation students. 

CSULB received funding through CSU ASAP to coordinate initiatives such as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) and AANHPI programs. This support allows the university to develop academic and social programming, offer professional development opportunities, and strengthen partnerships with community organizations for students, staff, and faculty. In compliance with Prop 209, these efforts are focused on creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all participating students, ensuring access to resources and support needed to succeed both academically and personally. 

All students, regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, and/or any other protected identity, who are interested in the program's mission and focus are welcome and eligible to participate.

The primary purpose of AANHPI is to empower students by addressing the unique challenges and barriers they face in higher education and by uplifting their strengths, assets, and cultural community wealth. By providing comprehensive support across multiple domains, these initiatives aim to create an inclusive and nurturing environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. This support includes:

  • Mental Health Support: Offer culturally conscious mental health services while actively working to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being.
  • Academic Resources: Provide academic support, such as tutoring, mentoring, and financial assistance, to help students navigate the complexities of higher education and achieve academic excellence.
  • Career Development: Create opportunities for career growth that recognize and integrate cultural contexts and experiences, including workshops, internships, and networking events tailored to their specific needs and aspirations.
  • Culturally Relevant Programming: Promote programming that celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of AANHPI communities. This includes cultural events, workshops, and initiatives that honor AANHPI identities and experiences.

These initiatives are essential in cultivating a campus environment where ALL students feel respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Appointment of an Associate Director of AANHPI Initiatives

The appointment of a full-time Associate Director of AANHPI Initiatives at CSULB. This role will lead efforts to identify barriers impacting academic performance and well-being, develop a strategic plan based on community input, and build partnerships to secure funding and resources. Additionally, the Associate Director will establish an ongoing evaluation process to assess the impact of initiatives and make data-driven improvements.

ASAP Funded Initiatives

APID Resource Center: Recently rebranded to include a broader range of AANHPI identities, this center serves as a physical space for community building, resource access, and programming that highlights the diverse AANHPI populations on campus.

Pacific Islander-Centered Curriculum Development: This initiative seeks to develop a curriculum that centers on Pacific Islander identities and experiences, including the creation of a dedicated Pacific Islander Studies course. This process will involve community engagement sessions to ensure that the curriculum reflects the voices and needs of the students. This effort will launch in Fall 2025.

  • Improved Academic Outcomes: Increased persistence, retention, and graduation rates.
  • Enhanced Cultural Engagement: Greater participation in cultural events and programming among students, faculty, and staff, of all background and identities, leading to a stronger sense of community and belonging.
  • Increased Access to Mental Health Services: Higher utilization of mental health resources by students, resulting in improved overall well-being and academic performance.
  • Sustained Institutional Support: Establishment of a robust, long-term support infrastructure for initiatives, including consistent funding, dedicated staff, and ongoing program evaluation.